California OT and OTA CEU requirements

What occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants need to renew a California license, summarized from the board's own rules. Last checked October 24, 2026.

24 PDUsfor occupational therapists

24 PDUsfor OT assistants

Every 2 yearsCE cycle

Last day of your birth month, every 2 yearslicense renewal deadline

Required topics

None. Any course that meets the rules below counts.

Rules to know

At least half (12 PDUs) must relate directly to delivering occupational therapy services; the rest can be in other areas related to your practice.
The board doesn't approve providers. Online and home-study courses count if you get a completion certificate.
Up to 6 extra PDUs can carry over to the next renewal period.
You don't send proof with the renewal, but keep it for 4 years after the renewal period in case you're audited.
One professional development unit (PDU) is 60 minutes.

Official sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you plan. Rules change and your board has the final word, so confirm with the sources above before you renew. If you also hold NBCOT certification, NBCOT has its own renewal requirements.

In-person courses open to OTs in California

65 upcoming courses in California list OTs in their audience (or come from providers whose courses are open to OTs). Check each course's approval for California with the provider.

October 2026

Oct 21–25, 2026 · 5 days Certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) $1,250 · 40 contact hrs · San Diego Academy of Lymphatic Studies· Homewood Suites San Diego Hotel Circle SeaWorid AreaMedical & Acute Care Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Oct 24–25, 2026 · 2 days Pelvic Function Level 2C (Satellite Lab) $695 · Long Beach Herman & Wallace· Women's Advantage Inc. - Long BeachPelvic Health Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2026 · 3 days Trigger Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling 2 $1,250 · 27.5 contact hrs · San Jose Myopain Seminars· Chantel Building - San Jose CADry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Oct 31 – Nov 1, 2026 · 2 days Pelvic Function Series Capstone $795 · San Diego Herman & Wallace· FunctionSmart Physical TherapyPelvic Health Details and registration

November 2026

Fri–Sun, Nov 6–8, 2026 · 3 days Advanced MLD - Management of Post Plastic Surgery Procedures $1,100 · Los Angeles Academy of Lymphatic Studies· Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles AirportMedical & Acute Care Details and registration
Fri–Mon, Nov 6–9, 2026 · 4 days PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training Price on provider site · 28 contact hrs · Fountain Valley Institute of Physical Art· Orange Coast Medical CenterNeurology Details and registration
Fri–Mon, Nov 6–9, 2026 · 4 days PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training Price on provider site · 28 contact hrs · San Carlos Institute of Physical Art· Apex Physical TherapyNeurology Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8, 2026 · 2 days Pelvic Function Level 2B (Satellite Lab) $695 · Aptos Herman & Wallace· Alliance Physical TherapyPelvic Health Details and registration
Sat–Mon, Nov 7–9, 2026 · 3 days KSC: Kinetic Shoulder Complex Price on provider site · 16 contact hrs · Fremont Institute of Physical Art· iMotion Physical TherapyExtremity & Ortho Details and registration
Nov 10–15, 2026 · 6 days Advanced Lymphedema Management $1,450 · 54 contact hrs · Los Angeles Academy of Lymphatic Studies· Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles AirportMedical & Acute Care Details and registration
Tue–Wed, Nov 10–11, 2026 · 2 days Management of Lymphedema Affecting the Head and Neck $895 · Los Angeles Academy of Lymphatic Studies· Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles AirportMedical & Acute Care Details and registration
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 Therapeutic Exercise for Older Adults $300 · 6 contact hrs · Torrance Summit Education· DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance - South BayOlder Adult Details and registration

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Schedules checked October 24, 2026. Dates, prices and CEU approvals come from each provider's public schedule and can change, so confirm with the provider before you register.

Common questions

How many CE hours do occupational therapists need in California?

24 PDUs, every 2 years.

How many CE hours do OTAs need in California?

24 PDUs, every 2 years.

When is the California OT license renewal deadline?

Last day of your birth month, every 2 years.

Are any courses or topics required for OTs in California?

No specific topics are required, as long as the courses meet the board's rules below.

Where can OTs take in-person courses in California?

65 in-person courses open to OTs are scheduled in California, in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Torrance. They're listed below with dates, prices and registration links.